Birthdays, boys, and babies!

It was a pretty good week in the MacKay household! I felt better about stress at school after hearing a group of teachers acknowledge/complain about how this year is a lot more stressful and intense than last year. We are all optimistic that within the next week or two things will calm down... Hopefully we aren't fooling ourselves. Garrett is working on another project at BP and enjoying the added responsibility.

BIRTHDAYS!

My birthday was last Tuesday. Tuesday was also back to school night. It was a long day at work, but the kids were great, I got to go out for a quick dinner with some teacher friends, and was blessed with some great interactions with parents.

When I finally made it home that night Garrett had my bike all fixed up (YAY!), german chocolate cupcakes (a Welsh staple for birthdays), flowers, and a picture of downtown Franklin. Pretty sure he's got me figured out :) and pretty sure I'm a bit spoiled.

My birthday celebration wasn't over yet because Garrett's parents got us tickets to the Miranda Lambert Dierks Bentley concert! Garrett isn't a huge country fan, so it was quite gracious of him to suggest this present to his parents. It was a lot of fun! Dierks was our favorite and we really liked the venue. We felt quite safe going in there as they checked everyone VERY thoroughly. They even looked inside my boots... ha. I didn't realize how many women were at that concert until Miranda started singing and they all stood up to join in her blowing-men-up-with-gasoline/kerosene/shotguns revenge songs. I've heard that if you break up with Taylor Swift she writes a song about you. Carrie Underwood will destroy your car. Miranda Lambert will kill you. I feel like that is a pretty accurate summary of those three women and their music. (Miranda's microphone was hot pink and her microphone stand was a shotgun...)

BOYS... (of the preteen nature)

I am really enjoying the students in my class. They took a test last week and a lot of them bombed it :( but I think we have made a lot of progress in the last week and hopefully they do better on the end of term test.... Cross your fingers! Those who came to my class not speaking any English have already improved a ton! Except one girl who I have somehow convinced that I am a fluent Spanish speaker and so now she writes her assignments in Spanish. I try to tell her to write in Ingles, but she no comprendes because she smiles so sweetly at me, nods her head, and then continues to write in Espanol...

Friday after school was quite the adventure. A student, David* (*names have been changed to protect the innocent), had been telling me for a few days that he wanted to sing a song for me. I have had this happen to me before. Last year at Centennial a student came and shared his musical talent with me a couple of times... However, David isn't even in a real class with me. I see him for about 10 minutes during an in-between period before lunch. Apparently I have succeeded in winning his heart for that 10 minute period. Despite my attempts to stall him, he came after school on Friday. After pulling up "Just a Dream" by Nelly, he proceeded to sing to me with dance moves. He was pretty good, but it didn't change the fact that it was still awkward. He wanted to close the door and I shouted (probably too hastily), "NO! I mean, no, we can't, I'm sorry, I have to leave it open." After about a minute of singing to me another teacher came into the room to talk to me. And then a student, Nate*, who needed help. (To the everlasting credit of Nate, he did not laugh or interrupt David. He actually raised his arms as David belted out, "If you ever loved somebody put your hands up!" Middle Schoolers aren't always cruel.) We smiled and applauded David as he finished. Should I be worried? Should I request a homeroom transfer for David? Would that be too obvious if the change happened Monday? Ha.

babies!

Now, for the best news... BABIES! Reni and Will had their little baby boy last night. He is so cute with dark hair and little Asian eyes and a button nose. He looks like he's wearing a toupee... but still adorable. His name is Emmett Zulon. His middle name is a family name, after our great grandpa. I wish so bad I could be there. I sure miss my family so much here in Houston, but I'm so grateful for technology! What a blessing! Thank goodness for FaceTime, and cell phones, and email, and airplanes!

Also I'm going to stop telling people when I'm sick or even just feeling a little under-the-weather. The first assumption is ALWAYS that I'm pregnant. Even if it's a head cold, ha.


ALSO - I can't wait for the FALL (I know it's technically here... but it doesn't feel like it in Houston). I made my FAVORITE pumpkin chocolate chip cookies tonight. They're in the fridge, getting ready to be super delicious. Tomorrow I'm making crock pot apple cider (I can't wait!) and apple fries. Hopefully it all turns out OK and is powerful enough to bring fall weather and fall colors to Houston... We also bought a fall smelling candle to try and help make it feel more like fall and less like summer.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Now this is an FYI blog...

HERE'S THE DEAL WITH THE BLOGGING...

I have never been good and keeping people up to date on what is going on in my life. My parents usually found out what/how I was doing in school via others, who I was dating through my friends or my sisters, and just what good and bad things were going on in my life by word of mouth. I'm sorry mom.

I thought I got better after I moved to Utah to go to school at BYU. I should give myself some credit... I really do feel like I improved somewhat.

But there always seems to be that occasional person I unintentionally leave out of the loop (lately it happens to be my brother, who I have made a very serious promise to - first knowledge of pregnancy when that occurs - in an effort to fix my delay in notifying him about kind of important events in my life such as getting engaged and moving to Houston... no big deal. Thank goodness he is very forgiving)

That is all to say this blog is not intended as a replacement for calling all my friends and family about what is going on, but just to keep you updated on fun stories and events as they happen. It is also just going to be a place where I can practice writing, which is important for a Language Arts teacher... (don't judge my grammar and thank goodness for spell check). (When I say writing, don't expect essays and poetry and short stories - unless those short stories are true and have to do with crazy 13 year-olds)

Notification 1: I will not do this regularly

Notification 2: I am not much of a blogger and so this will probably never look very cute

Notification 3: Sometimes I can get wordy when I start typing. I like the quote from the movie Lincoln, "I'd give shorter sermons, but once I start I'm too lazy to stop." Feel free to skim or just lie and write "I loved your post!" in the comments to make me feel better :)

Notification 4: When I share stories from school all names will be changed to protect the innocent, and my job. Plus, you should probably just know I'm going to be overly optimistic about my job on here out of fear from news stories where teachers lose their jobs over a FaceBook status where they complained about something with the school/district. Plus, why would I complain anyways, I am teaching at the BEST school, in the BEST district, in the most wonderful and perfect state in the union.... how could I ever complain?

WE MADE IT TO HOUSTON!

(This actually happened about six weeks ago, I apologize for the late notice. Please see paragraphs 1-3 above for explanation)

And all the people said, "You will love it!" "Houston is great!" "You are going to fall in love with Texas!" "You are going to have huge Texas pride, just you wait!" "We moved down there and never wanted to leave!" "Everyone is so nice down there!" "Even the water tastes like sweet nectar!" 

(No one ever told us that last one, but that's just to bring up the point that the water here is seriously really nasty and we are very grateful for our Brita filter)

I guess I will have to wait to see if all of those statements come true. Right now I'm a little bitter about Texas... its actually (kind of) funny... but before I complain, I should make the following note:

TO TEXAS' CREDIT: The people down here are very nice. I cannot rave enough about the amazing people I work with. They are incredibly helpful and kind. We love the people we go to church with, they are FABULOUS! We have already made friends down here. 

Now that is out of the way, if you ever move to Texas, please bookmark this page for the best reference you will found on what NOT to do. Learn from my mistakes and you will have no bitter feelings in your heart :)

IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR NAME: Be sure to spell your new name correctly and DON'T FORGET TO ASK FOR THE ADDITIONAL PAGE! They will automatically give you a paper that says your card is on the way. However, this is actually not enough and will do you very little good. Apparently there is a secret second page they won't give you unless you ask for it (my employer kept telling my about this secret second page... I didn't ask for it, who would think to ask for that?). ALSO, they will rip up your social security card BUT you need it to get a Driver's License... I think the secret second page is supposed to cover you for that. Also, be sure to spell your new name correctly! Did I already say that? (Side note, if your card takes longer than 2 weeks to get to you, you are supposed to call. They will tell you your expected wait time is 24 minutes, really it is about 40. I still haven't received my CORRECT card after 5 weeks and am technically a MacKey right now, not a MacKay... I'm praying I don't have to make a third trip to the Social Security office... but 3 seems to be the trending number in my life right now)

REGISTERING YOUR CAR IN TEXAS: They only take cash or check. (I learned that my first visit) They also don't like Utah car insurance. (I learned that my second visit) The website says to just bring proof of insurance, but there are a handful of states whose car insurance Texas doesn't like. We found that Geico was the cheapest here right now, FYI. Also, you must register your car in Texas if you would like to get a Driver's License... Don't worry, my car is officially registered in Texas after trip #3.

GETTING A TEXAS DRIVER'S LICENSE: You need to register your car in Texas before they will give you a license (I learned that my first visit). You also need something with your Social Security number on it (I learned that my second visit), they ripped up my Social Security card while I was at the Social Security office and I didn't think to ask for the secret page and so I was left high and dry. The website says they are open on Saturdays, but don't get too excited thinking you will be able to not have to rush after work to get this done, they are only open for election IDs (thankfully I noticed the fine print before I made a third trip. We will save that trip #3 for Monday after school, the day before my license expires... hopefully the third time is the charm or I am SOL).

Seriously though, I wish I had someone to prevent all those mistakes, so if ever you move to any new state, especially Texas, check the state websites carefully, read the fine print, and ask people. 

WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THIS PLACE 

1. The people (please see above for explanation about the awesomeness that is the people we are surrounded by)
2. Our jobs (even thought we have different challenges, Garrett is enjoying the projects he is working on and I really love the students I get to spend time with every day)
3. Our ward (it is such a blessing to be a member of the Mormon church. The temporal perks alone should probably convince everyone they should join, ha. It has made all the difference in helping us to get adjusted to life in this new place)
4. The food (O.MY.GOODNESS GRACIOUS it is most delicious and I am experiencing new food from all around the world. Houston is famous for its diversity, its food, and (by default) its diverse food. We really love the Phoenicia Cafe - it was great to eat really good shawarma again.)
5. The rain (I love thunderstorms)
6. Seeing all the green trees once you get out of the city limits
7. The museum district in downtown Houston is really beautiful
8. There are a lot of free things to do if you are willing to drive...
9. We (meaning really just I...) are looking forward to a warmer winter :)
10. Last but not least... The fact that technology makes it so easy for us to stay connected to those we love in Utah, Tennessee, and all over the world really...

Our overall impression of Houston... It is very different and just really, really, really, really, BIG. Like I'm having a hard time wrapping my brain around it BIG.

OUR GARDEN! (It looks horrible right now)

My classroom!

These books were generously donated to our classroom! I am so excited to start reading these with the students Monday!

We went to a Skeeters game (baseball) and this slightly smelly mascot sang "happy first game to you!" while poking my face repeatedly... It was a overall a wonderful experience.

I just really like this picture, it's from our (short) honeymoon in Park City. Goodbye Utah! We will visit you again soon :)

Real life here I come... :/

It seems like so many of my old friends from elementary school and middle school are posting a lot of "remember whens"... Yeah I remember like it was yesterday. Wasn't it yesterday? Where did the time go? What happened to the days when my biggest concern was who to trade stickers with at recess? Who to pick for my team? If anyone was going to pick me for their team? If that boy was going to call me? (actually, pretty sure I still worry about that one way more than I should) Or that big worry that seemed to plague my life for years - what do I want to be when I grow up? Sure I've decided what I want to be, I even have a job lined up for the fall, but now the worry is, am I ready to grow up? And what does it mean to grow up? Just different things to worry about? Different concerns? Notice I said different, not more important. To the elementary school girl, stickers, soccer selection at recess, and making flower necklaces are a BIG DEAL. Who you're going to invite to your birthday party is HUGE. When you're in middle school, all that weird stuff going on with your body is a BIG DEAL. One zit is life or death. Just because we can now look back on those things we've conquered with a smile doesn't mean they were menial or small. It just means, one day that phone call I'm thinking about, that feeling of am-I-ready? will be conquered and I will look back on these concerns, trials, whatever-you-want-to-call it will all seem small compared to my mortgage payment, my family, taxes... So why worry? I've done it before, I've conquered each struggle as it has come or I've failed and learned from the situation. I know it will all work out if I just do my best.

It'll all work out in the end, and if it hasn't worked out, its not the end.

If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today. ~E. Joseph Cossman

I've developed a new philosophy... I only dread one day at a time. ~Charlie Brown (Charles Schulz)

If things go wrong, don't go with them. ~Roger Babson

You can't wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time. ~Pat Schroeder

Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is to small to be made into a burden. ~Corrie ten Boom, Clippings from My Notebook

Now I just need to decide what kind of a teacher I want to be... :)

2010 ... Bittersweet ending

11 things.... good and bad... that occurred in 2010 (in order even!)

1. Faced one of my biggest fears, skiing, and fell in love with it!
2. Made the Dean's list winter semester with a 4.0
3. Cross country road trip with my best friend aubs!
4. Being there and helping clean up after the 500 year flood that hit middle tennessee
5. Spent about a week in DC! Such a cool city!
6. Said goodbye to amy as she went halfway around the world for a mission in the philippines
7. 5 marriages - 5 really good friends, lots of crutch dancing (Mitch+Syd, Kort+Dustin, Emily+Ty, Annalee+Dan, Rachel+Weston)
8. Tore my ACL (again) on a jumping picture the day before Kort's wedding (it doesn't get more lame than that....)
9. Knee surgery! woot woot.... second time was better than the first, gotta count your blessings
10. Got to be home for Thanksgiving for the first time in 3 years
11. Realized how dumb boys really can be if they put their mind to it.

Loving my life and looking forward to 2011: to my last semester at BYU, to being a real life teacher, to surprises...

The surprise...

About a week and half ago I got a crazy idea. My parents bought my plane tickets to come home for Christmas several months ago in order to get a good deal. Since they bought the tickets, I had received offers from two good friends to drive home to Tennessee and back for Christmas break. I turned them down, explaining that I already had made plans to fly. Then, it hit me. About a week and a half ago. What if I switched my Christmas tickets to Thanksgiving and then took up these offers to drive there and back for Christmas? Genius. I know. That's why I'm a college students. So I called my dad, we switched the tickets, and kept our mouths shut. No one knew but my dad and I. He picked me up from the airport on Thursday and we went to my sister's swim meet. I casually walked in and stood next to her and just asked how the meet was going. She looked up and seriously jumped back 5 feet as if she had seen a ghost. Maybe she thought she had. "What are you doing here?!" Nice to see you, too. She was shocked and I couldn't stop laughing. My mom was helping out with the meet so we snuck down to the pool area and I asked my same casual, "How's the meet going?" question. My mom slowly turned around and looked at me. Silent. She was beyond confused. She just kinda stared for a few seconds - it seemed like forever, then her eyes went to my little sister. "She thinks I'm Alia," was my immediate thought. Later, she told me, "I just looked at you and couldn't figure out why Alia wasn't wearing her suit, then I saw Alia and it clicked." She screamed and hugged me and cried and didn't let go for about five minutes. She says it was the most surprised she had ever been in her life. She had no idea. I guess I can keep some secrets :)

The stressful week before trying to get all my school work done before I missed 3 days of classes, knowing I'm going to be driving all the way to Tennessee and then back to Utah, the extra money it took to switch my ticket and the gas money I'll be spending in December - it was all so worth it, to see my mom's face (her shock and complete joy), to be home, to have a break from school before things get crazy, to spend Thanksgiving with my family for the first time in three years - totally worth it. I feel so lucky, so blessed, and I'm so dang excited to see my adorable niece! I will miss having Thanksgiving with Reni and Will and my grandparents - but this sure is nice. (Plus I hear its snowing, and sleeting, and freezing there, today it was 70 degrees in Tennessee - you can be jealous :)

Happy Thanksgiving from the Volunteer State!

look, i'm blogging again!

So.... I was kind of against blogging when I got back from Jerusalem (as you can see, I've only posted one thing that was not about Jerusalem) because life was just kinda lame in comparison.... I couldn't write, "So I just got back from the Garden Tomb..." or comment on how hot Egypt was. But I'm sitting at my grandparent's and thought I would just let anyone who wants to read this know whats going on in my life!

This semester has been insane. Actually, not really, that was an exaggeration. But it has been crazy. I have a four hour class every day of the week. I love the people in it, usually I don't make lots of friends in my classes cause they're big and I'm all about the in and out, but I really like the people in this class. Its fun and I'm learning about what I want to do when I grow up (which turns out is in just a year and a half.... how does that happen?!) I get to go visit schools and

pretend teach to my peers and occasionally for real teach at the schools we visit. So I like the class but it is basically my life and I'll be happy when my schedule is freed up on February 25th. Hallelujah! (I've found myself saying that a lot lately, and "amen" too. Apparently it's not as socially acceptable here in Utah as it is in the South... too bad.)

I'm also taking my "Capstone Research Seminar" class. Sounds scary? It is. I have to write a 20+ page paper, mostly from primary sources that will contribute to the scholarship on slavery. I'm writing about how Uncle Tom's Cabin was received in the North versus the publication of actual slave narratives. There's nothing like carrying a stack of over 10 books out of the library to improve your nerd image. You should probably get on the waiting list to read it, you don't want to pass this one up.

I'm also taking New Testament from one of my professors at the Jerusalem Center, Bro. Skinner. He's pretty awesome and I recommend taking one of his classes or reading one of his books. Him and our director, Bro. Brown put together a series on the Messiah that plays on BYU TV at 5 and 8 on Sundays. You should watch. Seriously, it's amazing.

So its been a busy semester so far, but good. Last weekend we had a 149th ward reunion at our house. The theme was white trash and it was so much fun! We got an old RV from one of our friends and went driving around and dancing, avoiding the po po at the same time... it was a blast! Last night I went snowshoeing, definitely not my thing. I felt like I was wearing boats on my feet like DaVinci in Ever After. Needless to say I was not very graceful and fell multiple times. I lost my phone and a glove in the snow and somehow they both turned up again later... It was fun though.... Pretty entertaining for everyone around me.

So thats about it. Reni and Will are back and we're gonna eat some grub! Woot Woot!

my thoughts on life...

I feel like a true blogger now that I am sharing "my thoughts on life" as if I have anything profound to add to the world full of sayings, advice, thoughts, quotes, mottos... etc. Even though I've reached the ripe old age of 21, I know that I have a lot to learn and a lot of growing up left to do, but here are some conclusions that I've recently come to.

Life changes fast
People are inherently good but it is impossible to see that if you never look at life through their eyes.
It's important to give those around you a break, because probably sooner than later you're going to need one yourself.
It's important to give yourself a break.
Talking helps.
Sometimes life needs to be treated like an automatic instead of a manual.
Utah weather makes my skin break out.
Don't expect anything.
Listen.
Broken hearts help us understand ourselves and others better.
Life isn't perfect, no matter how much we plan, prepare and hope for the best.
People aren't perfect.
Love is a powerful thing.
There's a weird sort of healing power in driving around town, belting music and doing absolutely nothing, but doing it with really good company.
Life requires friends.
Apt. 98 is where the best support system of friends and roommates a girl could ask for was born.
My mom wasn't crazy or OCD when she said a house needed to be cleaned once a week...
People are the same everywhere you go.
You can love a someone you have never met that is over a thousand miles away just by seeing a picture of her face.
Taking time to think is crucial to life.
No matter where you are in the world, you can bet there are people thinking of you, loving you and supporting you.
My parents are a couple of geniuses.
Life is to be enjoyed. People are to be loved. Opportunities are to be taken.

Life is a crazy good thing.